Breast awareness

It is important for women to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and to report any new changes to a healthcare professional right away. In most cases, breast changes aren't a sign of cancer. Consult your provider if you develop any of the following:

Changes in the appearance of either breast, such as a lump, swelling, redness or scaliness

Changes in the nipple, including pain, a nipple that has turned inward or a discharge that isn't breast milk

Understanding your risk factors

Several factors can increase your risk for developing breast cancer. While having one or more of these traits doesn’t guarantee you will develop breast cancer, it’s important to be aware of your risk and have regular breast health screenings, including breast self-exams.

Assess your risk

Answer these seven simple questions to assess your risk for breast cancer. Consider both your mother’s and father’s family histories when completing the family history portion of this assessment.

Personal history

Do you have a family history of breast cancer before age 40?

Do you have a personal history of ovarian cancer?

Family history

Do you have a family history of breast cancer before age 50?

Do you have a family history of ovarian cancer?

Do you have a family history of male breast cancer?

Do you have a family member who carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation?

Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, our Breast Center experts are available as a resource. There, our physician and navigator will review your family history with you. Then they will discuss your screening and treatment options, as well as any lifestyle modifications you may need to consider.

Other factors

In addition to your personal and family history, several other factors may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. These include:

Gender. Women are more likely than men to develop breast cancer.

Age. Women are more likely to develop breast cancer after age 60 than during their younger years.

Obesity. Being overweight or obese increases your risk.

Early menstruation. If you began menstruating before age 12, you are at an increased risk.

Late menopause. If you began menopause after age 55, you are at a higher risk.

First child after age 35 or never having children. Women who have their first child later in life, or did not have children at all, have an increased risk.

Radiation exposure. If you’ve had chest radiation treatments as a child or adult, you are more likely to develop breast cancer later in life.